Democrats have trotted several speakers to their convention podium to assure Jewish voters that their party and President Barack Obama are good friends to Israel.
But when it came time to back that pledge, convention delegates told a different story.
Convention Chair Antonio Villaraigosa took a platform amendment to the delegegates Wednesday that recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Democrats were scrambling to catch up with Republicans, who included that plank in their platform and are using it to woo Jewish voters. The Jewish vote is critical in some key states, including Florida.
The amendment required a two-thirds voice vote. But a majority of delegates shouted “nay.”
Villaraigosa called the vote three times before declaring it passed despite the heavy no vote.
Friends of Israel would be foolish not to read into the incident the lack of a solid commitment to the Jewish state.
Join the Conversation
The Detroit News aims to provide a forum that fosters smart, civil discussions on the news and events that we cover. The News will not condone personal attacks, off topic posts or brutish language on our site. If you find a comment that you believe violates these standards, please click the "X" in the upper right corner of the post to report it.